Draft Bill helps build foundations to decarbonisation

• Draft Petroleum Legislation Amendment Bill (B) 2023 formerly known as the Greenhouse Gas Storage and Transport Bill released for consultation
• New provisions provided for greenhouse gas storage and transport
• Bill to support Western Australia's transition to net zero 

The McGowan Government continues to support the industrial and resources sectors' transition to net zero emissions, drafting a legislative framework for the transport and geological storage of greenhouse gases in Western Australia.

The Petroleum Legislation Amendment Bill (B) 2023 seeks to introduce a greenhouse gas legislative regime similar to the Commonwealth Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006.

These new provisions include property rights for greenhouse gas storage formations; acreage release for greenhouse gas exploration titles; retention leases and injection licences; injection; site closure and long-term liability requirements.

Further proposals include the ability to regulate direct access to suitable storage sites under specific circumstances, and to allow for the transport of greenhouse gases by pipelines to depleted petroleum reservoirs and other potential storage sites.

The Bill, which was previously known as the Petroleum Legislation Amendment (Greenhouse Gas Storage and Transport) Bill 2022, proposes amendments to the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Resources Act 1967, Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 and Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982.

A 12-week consultation period will now begin for stakeholders to provide their feedback on the proposed amendments.

For more information, visit www.dmirs.wa.gov.au/content/open-consultations.

Feedback submissions will close at 5pm, Friday 14 April 2023.

Comments attributed to Acting Mines and Petroleum Minister Sue Ellery:

"The Petroleum Legislation Amendment Bill (B) 2023 is one of many actions the McGowan Government is taking to support industry as it transitions to net zero emissions by 2050.

"We know the majority of Western Australia's industrial and resources sectors share our decarbonisation ambitions and this legislative reform is an important tool in our efforts.

"Not only are the legislative amendments key to decarbonising the industry, but they will also provide the regulatory certainty needed to facilitate investment, job creation and the growth of our State."

Minister's office - 6552 6700